Sun-tracking solar panels: Are rotating panels right for you?

Solar panels produce the most electricity when angled directly toward the sun. So why aren’t all home solar panels designed to track the sun? 

While sun-tracking panels continuously adjust to capture peak sunlight, their higher cost and spacing needs mean they aren’t a good fit for all home applications. Let’s walk through how sun-tracking systems work, weigh their pros and cons, and help you determine if they're worth the investment for your home.

What are sun-tracking solar panels?

Sun-tracking solar panels (AKA solar trackers or rotating solar panels) put solar panels on mechanical trackers that can follow the sun.

The angle of a solar panel to the sun affects how much electricity it generates. The more direct sunlight it gets, the more electricity it produces. In the northern hemisphere, that means south-facing panels generate the most electricity, since that’s where they’ll directly face the sun for the most hours each day.

Sun-tracking solar panels maximize the time they’re at the ideal angle by rotating to face the sun head on throughout the day.

How do solar tracking systems work?

Tracking solar panels move through one complete rotation daily, either mounted on a single-axis or dual-axis tracker.

On a single-axis tracker, solar panels operate like a seesaw, tilting over one point of contact and facing east to west from sunrise to sunset. With a dual-axis tracker, the panels can tilt both east to west and north to south for a full range of motion to more directly follow the sun throughout the day and the year.

Tracking vs non-tracking solar panels

The pros and cons of tracking solar panels compared to fixed solar panels are relatively straightforward.

In most cases, non-tracking systems will make more sense for the average homeowner. If you have a roof that is fully exposed to the sun, rooftop panels will produce enough power to meaningfully offset the electricity you use at home. Since many utilities limit the size of residential solar systems based on your historical consumption, sun-tracking solar panels aren’t often worth it.

Most solar installations go on roofs and are stationary because it’s the most cost-effective way to meet a home’s energy needs. Reputable solar installers take into account the space, angle, and direction of your roof to design a system that meets your needs.

The extra costs of tracking systems are most often worth it for utility-scale solar farms and large commercial facilities.

Advantages of solar trackers

Solar panels work most efficiently in direct sunlight, so a sun-tracking system's primary benefit is maximizing power generation. Rotating solar panels allow system owners to squeeze every last drop out of each day’s sunlight.

According to a study published in 2022, tracking solar panels can produce between 10% and 60% more energy than a fixed system, depending on location, time of day, and the type of tracking panels.

Disadvantages of solar trackers

Despite the extra power potential, solar trackers have a few disadvantages that prevent them from being a good choice for residential solar installations.

Upfront costs

Since sun-tracking panels require more mounting equipment and expensive trackers, they cost more than rooftop panels. Since homeowners often face diminishing returns after a certain point (greater solar production doesn’t always mean proportionally greater savings), opting for tracking panels can actually lengthen a project’s solar payback period.

Property requirements

While a good number of people have roofs suitable for solar panels, fewer people have enough sunny space for a full sun-tracking solar panel array.

More moving parts

Rooftop panels have no moving parts, keeping their maintenance requirements low. Sun-tracking systems introduce moving part, which may need more maintenance than their stationary counterparts.

Verdict: Is solar tracking worth it?

In the end, sun-tracking solar panels generate more energy than stationary rooftop panels but aren’t a good fit for most home solar installations.

As many homes have enough rooftop or property space for stationary panels to meet their needs for less money, sun-tracking systems are typically reserved for large-scale installations, like community solar farms and utility solar installations.

The good news is that stationary, rooftop solar panels can generate more than enough electricity to reduce bills for a huge number of people. If you’re curious to know if you’re one of them, reach out for a free quote, or just to learn more about your solar options.

Frequently asked questions

How much maintenance do solar panels usually need?

Solar panels can be low maintenance, requiring just occasional cleaning. Issues can arise though, and many solar systems are sold or leased with protection packages that offer system monitoring and maintenance. When you lease solar panels, for example, maintenance and common repairs are included in your monthly payment.

How much more electricity do sun-tracking solar panels generate?

Sun-tracking solar panels can generate up to 60% more energy than fixed systems, depending on location. A more common estimate is 30-40%. For residential systems, the additional power generally isn’t worth the additional upfront expenses.

What’s the difference between single-axis and double-axis sun-tracking solar panels?

Single-axis solar trackers move back and forth in one direction (usually east to west).They follow the general direction of the sun.

Dual-axis solar trackers move in two directions, meaning they can follow the exact location of the sun.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Palmetto does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors.